A travel behaviour trail of electric bikes (ebikes) by the Danish Cycling Embassy in 9 villages surrounding the Danish town of Randers has increased levels of cycling. Each village was given 10 ebikes which inhabitants could borrow for up to three months. Borrowing these bikes where free and the goal was to make people aware of the possibilities of the ebike, in turn making them favor the ebike instead of the car for their everyday commute to work. This project turned out to be a huge success and the numbers below quite simply speak for themselves:Results from the trial offering free use:

21% of participants have gone on to buy an ebike underlining the importance of try –before –you-buy in the ebike market.

11% of participants choose to replace their previous car journey commute with an ebike.

45% of participants bike more after the trial.

75% of participants were female.

The study concludes that electric bikes are appropriate for dispersed small and medium sized towns and villages where the distance may be perceived to be too far by conventional bike.